Bodybuilding by the ancient Greeks served as the origin and inspiration for its practice by most later societies. Modern competitions grew largely out of European strongman theatrical and circus acts of the late 19th century. The first American physique contest, staged by physical culturist Bernarr Macfadden (1868–1955), took place in 1903 in New York City.Bodybuilding by the ancient Greeks served as the origin and inspiration for its practice by most later societies. Modern competitions grew largely out of European strongman theatrical and circus acts of the late 19th century. The first American physique contest, staged by physical culturist Bernarr Macfadden (1868–1955), took place in 1903 in New York City.Bodybuilding by the ancient Greeks served as the origin and inspiration for its practice by most later societies. Modern competitions grew largely out of European strongman theatrical and circus acts of the late 19th century. The first American physique contest, staged by physical culturist Bernarr Macfadden (1868–1955), took place in 1903 in New York City.
